Cary Zoning Regulations & Building Permits
Key Zoning Facts
Cary Zoning Overview
Cary is a town in Wake County, North Carolina, with a 2020 Census population of 174,721. The town manages land use and development through its Land Development Ordinance (LDO), which divides the municipality into residential, commercial, office/institutional, and industrial zoning districts.
Cary's residential zoning districts range from the low-density R-40 (requiring 40,000 sq ft minimum lots) to the more compact R-8 (8,000 sq ft minimum lots). The town also has multi-family, town center, and commercial districts to accommodate a variety of development types.
Key Residential Zoning Districts
| District | Min Lot Size | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback | Max Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-40 | 40,000 sq ft | 35 ft | 12 ft | 30 ft | 35 ft |
| R-20 | 20,000 sq ft | 30 ft | 10 ft | 25 ft | 35 ft |
| R-12 | 12,000 sq ft | 25 ft | 8 ft | 20 ft | 35 ft |
| R-8 | 8,000 sq ft | 20 ft | 5 ft | 15 ft | 35 ft |
ADU Regulations
Cary allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Property owners should consult the Town of Cary Land Development Ordinance (LDO) for specific provisions regarding ADU size limits, setback requirements, parking, and permitting procedures. Contact Cary Planning for guidance on ADU applications.
Development Process
Development in Cary generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the town's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification -- Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
- Site Plan Review -- For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
- Building Permit -- Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections -- Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy -- Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Cary, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements
- Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact the planning department for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Cary and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Town of Cary planning department or municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Cary
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — North Carolina
- Building Code: NC State Building Code (IBC/IRC based)
County — Wake County
- Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 40,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 35 ft
- Side Setback
- 12 ft
- Rear Setback
- 30 ft
- Min Lot
- 20,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 12,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 8,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Cary
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Cary are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Cary permit fees →